I write everyday (well, almost everyday). But, with the busyness of parenting, teaching and my ensuing lack of energy, on some days it can be challenging to write. Now, add random commitments, household tasks, insecurity and writer’s block to the mix. It’s a wonder I ever get any writing done.

Pomodoro has helped me a ton. Not only is the little tomato cute, but it has become like a personal coach. A tough and cute tomato…who would have thought?

I don’t use the technique correctly, but the following is what works for me. Maybe it can help you, too.

• Pomodoro is on my computer: it’s a fancy 25 minute timer that keeps track of your accumulated 25 minute work chunks (and schedules in an occasional 5 min brake).
• When I don’t think that I can write, I remind myself that all I have to do is work on my novel for 25 minutes. That’s it. Very rarely am I unable to motivate myself for 25 minutes of work.
• If I’m super tired, I just tell myself to read Mirror of Sparrows for 25 minutes (of course, I never just end up reading my work).

Now, when I look back on how many 25 minute Pomodoro chunks I’ve completed, I’m super stoked. Writing, editing and re-writing my novel is such  long process. Sometimes, it feels like I have little to show for it. But then I look at the time I have investested, and I realize how awesome this journey is. I love to be able see, in minutes, how far I’ve come.

Are you working on a big project? Do you work on it daily? Please let me know in the comments. I’d love to find out what you are up to.